Digital transformation has become a strategic priority for higher education systems worldwide, yet large-scale enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation remains one of the most challenging institutional reforms. Universities differ substantially in governance structures, academic regulations, examination processes, financial management systems and administrative workflows, complicating the deployment of a unified ERP. Kerala’s Resources for Educational Administration and Planning (K-REAP) project provides a unique opportunity to examine various ERP implementation models over more than a decade of policy experimentation. This article analyzes the evolution of ERP development strategies adopted in Kerala between 2013 and 2026, identifying the factors influencing their success and failure. Four implementation models are examined: centralized software development, integration of existing university applications, institution-owned ERP systems and software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based configurable ERP architecture implemented through K-REAP. Drawing on implementation experience across multiple universities, the study argues that a cloud-hosted, configurable SaaS architecture—supported by multi-level governance, centralized project management, distributed technical teams and vendor-supported continuous customization—offers a more sustainable approach than institution-owned ERP systems. The article proposes a higher education ERP deployment framework that may serve as a reference model for higher education systems implementing digital transformation at scale.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
K. Sudheendran (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: